FGCC News

C. S. Mott Foundation and other generous funders are still providing great support to afterschool initiatives. Let me tell you about three quality programs.

The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce manages YouthQuest, TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative (SYI) after school programs. They are offered during the critical time of 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

YouthQuest is an afterschool program for K-8 youth. The program is offered at 15 elementary and middle schools in four school districts in Flint and Genesee County. YouthQuest helps kids with their homework and teaches them work-ready skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and healthy decision-making. In addition, the program offers enrichment activities that focus on health and nutrition, sports, performing arts, technology, arts and crafts, civic involvement, and social, nutritional and physical activities. Lastly, skills learned in this program also empower youth to overcome challenges they may face in their homes, school or within the community.

TeenQuest is an afterschool pre-employment and leadership training program that is held over five weeks. Students ages 14-18 years old learn about leadership and skills that are central to finding and keeping a job. For example they learn about business etiquette, how to collaborate with a team, how to resolve office conflicts and how to prepare and interview for a job.

Once teens complete TeenQuest, they become eligible for employment through the SYI program. SYI provides job opportunities to TeenQuest graduates through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies. Last year, 585 teens graduated from TeenQuest and 412 gained employment.

I wanted to share a little about each program. If you or anyone is interested in learning more about these programs, please contact us at the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.thegrcc.org.